Who Is the Owner of AR Dairy Tamil Nadu? Understanding the Tirupati Laddu Ghee Controversy and Misinformation
AR Dairy, a Tamil Nadu-based company, has recently come under scrutiny due to its involvement in the controversial Tirupati laddu row, where accusations surfaced about the alleged adulteration of ghee supplied for the preparation of the sacred prasadam at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The controversy gained significant attention when it was claimed that animal fats, specifically beef tallow, were found in the ghee used for making the laddus, leading to outrage among devotees. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a show-cause notice to AR Dairy following a food safety audit that found the ghee to be substandard.
Despite the accusations, AR Dairy has denied all allegations and strongly refuted claims about the use of animal fats in the ghee. But who exactly owns AR Dairy, and what has been the company’s response to the controversy?
Who Is the Owner of AR Dairy Tamil Nadu?
The exact ownership details of AR Dairy have been shrouded in some confusion and misinformation. Several false claims circulated online, linking AR Dairy to Pakistan-based firms, but these were quickly debunked as fake news by fact-checking agencies. According to reports, AR Dairy is run by a Tamil Nadu-based entrepreneur, but the company’s ownership and management structure have not been entirely clear. What is known is that AR Dairy has been a supplier of ghee for various religious and cultural purposes, including the Tirupati temple.
Despite the uproar surrounding the allegations, AR Dairy’s ownership team has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that the ghee they supply meets the required safety standards and is in no way adulterated with animal products. The company has responded with claims of innocence and pointed out that the allegations could be politically motivated or based on misinformation. They are currently cooperating with regulatory authorities like the FSSAI to address the concerns raised.
For more information on the company’s ownership and response, you can read these articles:
About AR Dairy Food Private Limited
During a keyword search for “AR Dairy Food Private Limited”, we discovered that the company is affiliated with Raaj Milk, a well-known dairy brand from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1995, AR Dairy specializes in producing milk and milk products, focusing on delivering the nutritional value of milk in its purest form to customers, as confirmed by the official website of Raaj Milk.
The directors’ profile on the company’s website lists Rajasekaran R as the Managing Director, with Suria Prabha R and Srinivasan S R as the other directors. This directly contradicts viral rumors that falsely claimed the company was owned and operated by Muslims. Further verification from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs corroborated this information, with Rajasekaran Suriyaprabha and Srinivasalunaidu Ramchandran Srinivasan listed as directors and Raju Rajasekaran as the Managing Director.
A report from Hindustan Times, dated September 21, 2024, echoed similar information, emphasizing that the Tamil Nadu-based dairy firm has been managed by these three individuals since its inception. In response to the allegations regarding animal fats in the ghee supplied to the Tirupati temple, Rajasekaran R assured the public that no animal fats were used. He clarified that the ghee is produced solely from cow’s milk, with each batch undergoing stringent testing. Additionally, he mentioned that the temple sources ghee from four to five different suppliers, not exclusively from AR Dairy.
AR Dairy’s Response to the Controversy
Amidst the accusations, AR Dairy has issued strong denials regarding the contamination allegations. The company has emphasized that they strictly follow all food safety regulations and ensure the quality of their products. FSSAI, however, issued a show-cause notice asking AR Dairy to explain why the supplied ghee did not meet the required parameters. The Health Ministry has also pulled up the company, demanding further clarity on the ghee used for the Tirupati laddus.
The company’s legal team has also stated that the ghee in question was supplied in accordance with religious and cultural sensitivities, and the accusations are false and defamatory. AR Dairy is currently facing immense pressure, and regulatory authorities are closely scrutinizing the supply chain to ensure transparency.
You can learn more about the FSSAI’s show-cause notice and the ongoing investigation here:
- Business Today – AR Dairy in Trouble Amid Tirupati Ghee Row
- The Hindu – FSSAI Issues Notice to AR Dairy
Misinformation Surrounding AR Dairy
In addition to the controversy surrounding the ghee quality, AR Dairy also had to battle misinformation. Viral posts on social media falsely linked AR Dairy to a Pakistan-based company, implying that the ghee used in Tirupati laddus was sourced from non-Indian companies. These claims were quickly debunked by fact-checkers who verified that the viral screenshot was actually linked to a Pakistan-based food retailer and had nothing to do with AR Dairy in Tamil Nadu.
Fact-checking agencies such as Factly and NewsChecker found that the viral claims were baseless and fabricated, misleading the public and further complicating the situation for AR Dairy.
You can read more about the misinformation here:
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Conclusion
The ongoing Tirupati laddu controversy has placed AR Dairy in the spotlight, with accusations of contamination leading to regulatory scrutiny. While the company continues to deny these claims, the FSSAI’s show-cause notice has escalated the matter. Misinformation about the company’s ownership and sourcing has further muddied the waters, making it all the more important for consumers to rely on verified facts and trusted suppliers.
In a time when trust in food products is paramount, GheeStore stands as a reliable source of pure, lab-certified ghee. Whether for daily use or special religious purposes, GheeStore’s commitment to quality ensures that you’re always receiving the best.